Cardinal Newman, pictured in his study chapel at the Birmingham Oratory in 1889, will be given the title 'Blessed'

Cardinal Newman, the Anglican vicar who shocked Victorian Britain by converting to Roman Catholicism, is a step closer to becoming the first English saint for 40 years.

Pope Benedict XVI yesterday announced the beatification of John Henry Newman, meaning he will be given the title 'Blessed'.

It follows the recognition by the Vatican of the healing of an American man with a severe spinal condition as a miracle which came about as a result of praying to the Cardinal.

A second miracle is needed to recognise Newman as a saint.The Pope's decision to beatify him was welcomed by Vincent Nichols, the Archbishop of Westminster and leader of the Catholic Church in England and Wales.He said: 'I am delighted to learn this news, which will be warmly welcomed by Catholics around the world.'

Father Paul Chavasse, provost of the Birmingham Oratory, the church that Newman founded, said: 'The Holy Father's decision is one of great significance for the whole Church.'

Newman will be beatified during a solemn Mass in the next year. When Gordon Brown visited the Vatican in February he invited Pope Benedict to Britain to perform the ceremony in person, possibly at Wembley Stadium.more...